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Semaglutide has become well-known as a weight loss medication, yet few people know how it works, what dosing is like, or even what results to expect. Here, learn the answers to see if semaglutide therapy might be right for you.
Losing weight is a common goal for many Americans, and it’s no wonder: About three-quarters of us are overweight or obese, with elevated risks of hypertension, heart disease, and other weight-related medical conditions.
Today, many people find weight loss success with semaglutide, a drug initially developed to treat Type 2 diabetes.
At Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness, Dana Trippi, DO, and the team prescribe semaglutide to many of our patients who want to lose weight successfully.
In this post, we answer some common questions about semaglutide to help you decide if it’s something you’d like to pursue.
What kind of medication is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. That’s a big term that means it mimics the action of a hormone that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar (glucose), making semaglutide so effective in managing Type 2 diabetes.
How does semaglutide work for weight loss?
Semaglutide works in several ways to support weight loss. In addition to balancing insulin and glucose, semaglutide slows digestion, delaying stomach emptying so you feel full longer and eat less. It also works on the brain’s appetite center to reduce feelings of hunger.
Is semaglutide only for people with diabetes?
No. Semaglutide was developed as a medication for Type 2 diabetes. It’s still used for that and for people wanting to lose weight.
Who can take semaglutide for weight loss?
Semaglutide is for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater or those with a BMI of 27 or more who have a weight-related medical issue, like hypertension or high cholesterol.
Who shouldn’t use semaglutide?
You shouldn’t use semaglutide if you have a history of certain medical conditions, including:
- Some types of thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer
- Gallbladder disease
- Pancreatitis
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use semaglutide. Before prescribing semaglutide, we review your medical history and may recommend testing.
Does semaglutide cause side effects?
Semaglutide can cause nausea, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, or dizziness. These side effects are typically mild and go away once your body adjusts to the medication.
How is semaglutide administered?
Semaglutide is administered as an injection under the skin on your thigh, buttock, or belly, rotating the location to avoid irritation. It’s also available for some patients in pill form.
How often do you take semaglutide?
Most people begin with a small dose administered once per week, gradually increasing the dose as your body adjusts. The specific dosage and how long you need to use semaglutide vary based on your needs.
Once you reach a maintenance dose (usually after a few months), you may receive medication once each month.
Do you still need to diet and exercise?
Yes, following a healthy eating plan and getting regular exercise are part of a weight management plan along with semaglutide. As you lose weight, you learn healthy habits that help you maintain your results while improving your overall health and wellness.
How much weight can you lose with semaglutide?
Studies show people who take semaglutide along with diet and exercise lose significantly more weight than those using diet and exercise alone. In one study, some semaglutide users lost 20% of their body weight by week 68 of treatment.
Is semaglutide right for you?
The best way to know if semaglutide is a good choice for helping you achieve your healthy weight goals is to schedule a visit with our team.
During your appointment, we review your weight loss goals, medical history, and any medications you’re taking. Then we discuss semaglutide and other options to help you achieve and maintain your weight goals over time.
To learn more about semaglutide, request an appointment online or over the phone today with Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, Nevada.